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A group of Romanian pilgrims have suffered from mushroom poisoning during their visit to Mount Athos. Every autumn, religious tourists in Greece face the risk of intoxication. October of this year was no exception, with 11 Romanian pilgrims falling victim to the temptation of foraging for mushrooms in the "Garden of the Virgin Mary".
Mount Athos, protected under the Natura 2000 program and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is governed by strict regulations due to its unique status as an "Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain." Coupled with its mild Mediterranean climate, the region boasts rich biodiversity, including approximately 600 species of mushrooms. While most of these fungi are harmless, a particular variety of Amanita, known as the royal mushroom "avgarites" or "avgomantaris," is considered a delicacy.
These white, egg-shaped mushrooms are popular among Athos monks and are often used to make a delicious soup during fasting periods. "Avgomantaris" can also be cooked or pickled. The royal mushroom can be distinguished from highly poisonous varieties by its characteristic odor. This is the method used by Athos monks, but apparently, not everyone possesses the necessary olfactory acuity.
The Romanian pilgrims, staying at the Saint Anna skete, mistakenly consumed the wrong type of mushroom. Instead of ascending to the summit of Athos to visit the Transfiguration of the Savior church, all 11 individuals were evacuated to the Polygyros hospital with severe poisoning symptoms.
With a population of just over 2,000 monks, Mount Athos attracts nearly 250,000 pilgrims annually. Religious tourism on the Holy Mountain is self-promoting. However, there is clearly a need for additional information to be provided to tourists regarding safety measures during their stay in these sacred places.
